Alix was still looking at her, broodingly. "Why don't you like him, Aunt Nancy?"
"Have I ever said I didn't like him?"
"No. But I know. I know that Charlie Webster does not like him. I knew that Addison did not like him."
Mrs. Strong could not resist the impulse to add: "And Sergeant did not like him."
"And you think THAT convicts him?" said the girl, half ironically.
"I have a good deal of faith in dogs," muttered Mrs. Strong, flushing.
Alix's gaze went to the huge vase of roses on the table. Then she turned quickly to look once more into her companion's eyes.
"You believe that Courtney poisoned him, don't you?"
"I have no more reason for believing it than you have, Alix," returned Mrs. Strong calmly.
"Why,—why do you say that?" cried the girl, startled.